Mat

ABSTRACT

A gymnastic mat includes a plurality of sections that can be multi colored and includes at least one sensor in each section, and/or a visual indicator associated with each section, and/or an audio indicator associated with each section. The mat can use the visual indicator and/or audible sounds to indicate the user&#39;s proper sequence and rhythm of their hands and feet in executing a gymnastic move, for example a cartwheel. Upon proper execution of the gymnastic move, the visual indicator can illuminate corresponding sections of the mat to indicate execution in the proper sequence, and/or the audible sound output indicates execution in the proper sequence. When the user makes a mistake in executing the proper sequence of the gymnastic move, either the visual indicator will not display for that section (indicating improper execution in sequence), and/or the audible sound output will be out of the “proper” audio sequence (indicating improper execution in sequence).

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to gymnastic mats. More particularly, it relates to a mat for teaching specific gymnastic moves, for example, a cartwheel.

2. Description of the Related Art

The cartwheel is one of the most popular taught skills to students of gymnastics, acrobatics, dance, circus performing, cheerleading and schools as part of their physical education program.

The most difficult aspect of teaching the cartwheel is to demonstrate and convey the proper rhythm and sequence of the skill. As such, the skill of performing a cartwheel (i.e., the proper form and rhythm) has been, and continues to be, difficult to teach individuals. Current gymnastic mats have attempted to resolve this problem by printing feet and hands on the mat so as to demonstrate where the user should be placing their hands and/or feet when performing a cartwheel.

Unfortunately, the known gymnastic mats fail to teach the proper form and more importantly, the rhythm and sequence associated with properly doing a cartwheel. This is primarily due to the fact that there is no explanation, indication or demonstration for the user of how the skill needs to be kinesthetically and properly executed.

The current mats with printed feet and hands further confuse students because they assume that if there are graphic illustrations of hands and feet on the mat (e.g., two hands and two feet), the student will place both hands and both feet on the mat arriving at an incorrectly demonstrated and executed cartwheel, that in no way simulates the proper mechanics, sequence and rhythm of the cartwheel.

Thus, the existing mats do not provide the user with an indication as to the proper sequence and rhythm that are required to properly execute the cartwheel. Often times with these known printed mats, the user will place both hands down at the same time and kick their feet over in an effort to follow the imprinted feet and hands on the mat.

Thus, there is a need for a gymnastic mat, and particularly a cartwheel gymnastic mat that provides the user with feedback as to whether or not they are performing the cartwheel correctly, both from a form and execution standpoint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one implementation, the gymnastic mat includes a plurality of sections each delineated for receiving one of a hand or foot of a user, and at least one indicator in communication with each of the plurality of sections and responsive to a user's hand and foot placement onto any one of the plurality of sections while performing a gymnastic movement. The indicator providing proper or improper indications in response to the user's performance of the gymnastic movement.

The indicator can be one of an audio indicator, visual indicator or a combination of both. A sensor is disposed in each of the plurality of sections and senses the user's placement of their hand or foot in the respective section. By way of example, the sensor can be a pressure sensitive sensor, motion sensor or a thermal sensor.

When using an audible indicator, at least two distinguishable sounds can be provided.

According to another implementation, the gymnastic mat includes a plurality of sections, at least one sensor positioned in each of said plurality of sections, an audio indicator having a first sound for indicating hand placement and a second sound for indicating foot placement, wherein proper sequential placement of the hands and feet during execution of the gymnastic move results in a predetermined sound sequence of the first and second sounds indicating proper execution of the gymnastic move. A power supply, either in the form of AC or DC power provides power to the at least one sensor and the visual indicator(s).

Other aspects and features of the present principles will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the present principles, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the cartwheel mat according to an implementation;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the section 114 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is schematic view of the cartwheel mat according to an implementation;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the cartwheel mat according to an implementation;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the cartwheel mat according to an implementation;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the cartwheel mat according to an implementation;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the cartwheel mat according to an implementation;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the cartwheel mat according to another implementation;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cartwheel mat taken along lines IX-IX of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cartwheel mat taken along lines X-X of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown the mat 100 according to an implementation of the invention. Mat 100 is configured into sections 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 and 112 each having a size S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6, respectively. In one embodiment, each section is a different bright color providing a multi-colored mat, or each section can be made of a solid or multiple colors. The overall length L of mat 100 will depend on the size of each of the respective sections. As will be appreciated from the outset of this disclosure, the size S of each section is dependent upon the size of the user. For example, for young children, S can be in a range of 6-10 inches, while for older children, S can be 8-12 inches, and for adults it could be 10-14 inches. These measurements are provided for exemplary purposes and are in no way intended to limit the size of the mat 100 and the corresponding sections S.

The mat 100 is designed to allow a student to independently learn a cartwheel skill with the aid of an audio/visual application that successfully translates the proper technique of a cartwheel through audio/visual cues. The mat 100 will also be an invaluable teaching tool for coaches, physical education teachers, parents, cheerleading instructors, dancers, circus performers, and anyone that would like to learn the proper execution of a cartwheel.

In order to correctly teach and execute a proper cartwheel, it is necessary to demonstrate the correct sequential placement of the hands and feet. It should be a “hand, hand, foot, foot” rhythm, which is the sequence that is essential for proper execution of a cartwheel. The hand and foot placement is also part of the sequence, and is implemented in the mat of the present invention. If a user incorrectly places two hands and/or two feet simultaneously or misses the proper rhythm, then the sequential illumination of the visual indicators will not occur. When using the audio indicator, when the user incorrectly places a hand or foot out of the proper sequence, the predetermined sound sequence that indicates proper execution will be interrupted by, for example, an out of sequence audio sound.

By way of example, the audio indicator assists in identifying the proper sequence of performing the cartwheel. As mentioned above, the proper sequence is “hand, hand, foot, foot”. Thus, in one contemplated embodiment, the audio indicator includes a first sound for “hand” and a second different sound for “foot”. For example, the hand audio sound=“bing”, while the foot audio sound =“bong”. Therefore, a properly executed cartwheel would result in a “bing, bing, bong, bong” sound in that particular sequence of 2×“bing” and 2×“bong” corresponding to the respective “hand, hand, foot foot” sequence. In the event that the cartwheel is improperly executed, one of the sounds will be out of sequence from the proper “bing, bing, bong, bong” audio sequence, thereby immediately notifying the user of the error in execution. In this manner, the user will be notified which part of the sequence they missed, so they can practice to correct the same.

In another exemplary implementation of the present invention, the audio indicator identifies the proper sequence by audibly announcing a distinct sound for each one of the plurality of sections 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112. For example, the distinct sound can be an audible announcement of “one”, “two”, “three”, “four”, “five”, etc., corresponding to the interactions with the first, second, third, fourth, fifth sections, etc. of the mat, respectively. This audible indication will prevent any confusion relating to discerning the respective sound indicators, and would eliminate the possibility that the user accidentally placing, for example, a first hand in the second hand spot on the mat, when they start the gymnastic move. In the event

The first section 102 includes a start indicator 120 which includes the word “start” and a picture of two feet. In addition, a selection area 114 is provided for the user to select whether they want to do a left handed (116L) or right handed (116R) cartwheel. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the user selects the left handed button 116L, causing the same to illuminate 118. As will be appreciated throughout this disclosure, the sections 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 and 112 are sensitive to touch, and can include pressure sensors, heat (thermal) sensors, motion sensors etc, such that the presence of the user's hand or foot as it is placed in the respective section is detected.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown the mat 300 according to an implementation of the present invention. Mat 300 includes the same sections 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 and 112, however in this embodiment, a speaker 302 is integrated into the first section 102, and lights or visual indicators 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 are provided for each respective section 104, 106, 108, 110 and 112. As will be shown and described throughout this disclosure, the visual indicator can be in the form of a foot or hand that illuminates in the respective section in response to the user's placement of their hand or foot on that section. The sections 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 and 112 can be made in different colors or can all be the same color depending on the design choice and which indicators (visual, audio or both) are used.

An AC plug 322 can be provided to provide power to the mat 300, or alternatively, a rechargeable battery 324 can be housed within the mat in any one of the sections (shown in section 102 for exemplary purposes). The power source and be AC or DC, depending on the desired application or available electricity.

As discussed above, the speaker 302 is configured to provide an audible sound in response to the user's proper or improper sequence of a gymnastic move during use of the mat. In other embodiments, more than two audible sounds could be provided depending on the particular gymnastic move, or the desired operation. In another embodiment, two distinguishable audible sounds are provided, one for indicating proper execution, either during or upon completion, of the gymnastic move, and one for indicating improper execution, either during or upon completion, of the gymnastic move. The improper audible sound should be provided during the execution so as to notify the user immediately at the point during the move where the improper execution occurred. For example, the proper execution audible sound could be a bell sound, while the improper execution audible sound could be a buzzer sound.

In another contemplated embodiment, the audible indicator would provide only the improper execution audible sound. Thus, if the user completes the move without any audible interruption, they could assume they executed the move properly.

According to another embodiment, the audio sounds are different and specific to a hand or foot placement on a corresponding section of the mat (e.g, the audible indication of “one”, “two”, “three”, “four”, etc.). Of course, any other discernible sounds could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The audio aspect of the present invention may be turned on and off as desired by the user, and may be used in conjunction with the visual indicator, or alone without the visual indicator.

After the user has selected the left option 116L in section 102, they are to start with their left foot first and proceed to the next section 104. This is shown in FIG. 3, where the foot print 204 is illuminated in response to the user's placement of their foot in section 104. As mentioned above, in an alternative embodiment, rather than the illuminated foot 204, the visual indicator 304 can be provided. The visual indicator 204 or 304 can be configured to have two colors, one indicating proper execution of the skill, and one indicating improper execution of the skill. For example, a green light could be used to indicate proper execution, and red light could be used to indicate where in the sequence of performing the gymnastic move the user made a mistake.

In this embodiment, the user's first step with their left foot is the beginning of the sequence for executing a left handed cartwheel. FIGS. 4-7 show the subsequent steps in the sequence and rhythm designed into the mat of the present invention. In this example, the “proper” execution (both in sequence and rhythm) is demonstrated.

FIG. 4 shows the next step where the user places their left hand onto section 106, and the hand imprint visual indicator 206 (or 306) is illuminated.

FIG. 5 shows the next step where the user places their right hand onto section 108, and the hand imprint visual indicator 208 is illuminated.

FIG. 6 shows the next step where the user's right foot comes down into section 110 and the foot imprint visual indicator 210 is illuminated.

FIG. 7 shows the next step where the user's left foot comes down into section 112, and the foot imprint visual indicator 212 is illuminated. FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment where a virtual line 602 exists down the center of the mat and is used to determine the proper placement of the user's hands on the respective sections. As shown in the left handed example of FIG. 7, the user's feet and hands fall on one side of the virtual line 602. Thus, during execution of the cartwheel, the user's hand or foot must not only come down on the respective section in the proper sequence/rhythm, it must also be properly placed according to the left or right handed selection.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the audio speaker for providing audible sounds. In this embodiment, the speaker 320B is an external speaker which is connected to the mat via a plug of any suitable type.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the mat taken along lines IX-IX of FIG. 8. This representation of section 104 is an example of how the other sections may be configured, but is no way limiting to the specific configuration and/or positioning of the respective elements contained therein. The mat is generally made of a resilient material 122 and contains a touch sensitive sensor 404 disposed adjacent to the top surface of the mat. A conduit 500 can be provided within the resilient material 122 and is configured to contain the electrical wires between the sections. Those of skill in the art will understand that the conduit 500 can be replaced by a multi conductor carrier (wire) which is designed for the present application. The visual indicator 304 and the sensor 404 are connected to a switch or processing device 504 which is connected to the wiring within conduit 500. The resilient material 122 can be any known material or combination of materials used for gymnastic or exercise related mats.

According to one embodiment, the visual indicator 304 can be flush with the mat's upper surface, and in another embodiment indicator 304 can extend above the mat's upper surface (shown in dotted lines) to make it easier for a user (or instructor) to see the visual indicator, even from a distance.

In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the visual indicators can be operated in a flash mode or a sustain mode. In the flash mode, the visual indicator will remain on while the user's hand or foot is activating the sensor within the respective section. In a sustain mode, the visual indicator will remain illuminated after the user completes the cartwheel or other gymnastic move. This will allow the user to inspect their performance after execution of the cartwheel.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of section 104 taken along lines X-X of FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the upper surface 604 of the mate is clear, transparent or translucent and will allow light to pass through, and the sensor 704 is a touch sensor that includes the illuminated hand or foot imprint (204-212) that can be seen through the upper surface 604.

While there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the present principles, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods described and devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the same. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the present principles. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or implementation of the present principles may be incorporated in any other disclosed, described or suggested form or implementation as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

1. A standalone mat comprising: a plurality of sections each delineated for receiving one of a hand or foot of a user, wherein at least two sections are designated for exclusively receiving hands; and at least one indicator in communication wit each of said plurality of sections and responsive to a user's hand and foot placement onto any one of the plurality of sections while performing a gymnastic movement, said indicator providing proper or improper indications in response to the user's performance of the gymnastic movement, including whether the hand or foot has been placed in the correct position within each of said plurality of sections.
 2. The mat according to claim 1, wherein said at least one indicator comprises at least one audible sound.
 3. The mat according to claim 1, wherein said at least one indicator comprises at least one visual indicator.
 4. The mat according to claim 1, further comprises sensors in each of said plurality of sections and in communication with said at least one indicator.
 5. The mat according to claim 4, wherein said sensors comprise touch sensitive sensors.
 6. The mat according to claim 4, wherein said sensors comprises motion sensors.
 7. The mat according to claim 4, wherein said sensors comprise thermal sensitive sensors.
 8. The mat according to claim 2, wherein said audible indicator comprises at least one speaker integrated into at least one of the plurality of sections.
 9. The mat according to claim 2, wherein said at least one indicator comprises an external speaker releasably connected to the training mat.
 10. The mat according to claim 2, wherein said audible indicator comprises a first sound corresponding to a hand placement, and a second sound distinguishable from the first sound and corresponding to a foot placement.
 11. The mat according to claim 2, wherein said audible indicator comprises a distinguishable sound for each of said plurality of sections of the mat.
 12. The mat according to claim 3, wherein said visual indicator comprises at least one light in each of said plurality of sections.
 13. The mat according to claim 3, wherein said visual indicator comprises a light source in each of said plurality of sections, said light source having a shape of a hand or foot corresponding to the gymnastic move.
 14. A gymnastic mat comprising: a plurality of linearly arranged sections, wherein at least two sections are designated for exclusively receiving hands; at least one sensor positioned in each of said plurality of sections; an audio indicator having a sound corresponding to each of said plurality of sections, wherein proper sequential placement of the hands and feet during execution of the gymnastic move results in a predetermined sound sequence of the sound for each of the plurality of sections indicating proper sequential execution of the gymnastic movement; and a power supply connected to said at least one sensor in each of said plurality of sections and said audio indicator.
 15. The gymnastic mat according to claim 14, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a touch sensitive sensor integrated into each of said plurality of sections.
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. The gymnastic mat according to claim 14, further comprising a visual indicator for each of said plurality of sections and being responsive to said at least one sensor in each section so as to provide a visual indication of when the user places a hand or foot onto a corresponding section of the mat.
 19. The gymnastic mat according to claim 14, wherein said power supply comprises one of an AC or DC power supply.
 20. The gymnastic mat according to claim 14, further comprising a first sound for hand receiving sections of the mat, and a second sound for foot receiving sections of the mat.
 21. The gymnastic mat according to claim 18, wherein each said visual indicator comprises a light source positioned within the section and having a shape of a hand or foot corresponding to the gymnastic move to be performed.
 22. The gymnastic mat according to claim 18, wherein each said visual indicator comprises a light source positioned on an edge of each section. 